Old Bedford Modernians

New In The Spotlight feature!

Jess Read (2009-20) is the latest OBM to feature in our In the Spotlight series. During her time at BMS, Jess represented Great Britain on the international rowing stage before going on to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) on a rowing scholarship. Read Jess' feature to learn more about her time at BMS and what she's doing now.

Read the article on The OBM Hub: https://shorturl.at/rytg7

If you would like to feature on 'In the Spotlight' please email [email protected].

Join us on Thursday 17 September for this year’s September Social: Terrace on the Thames. Taking place at EFES Social Bar in Southbank, London, the evening will offer a relaxed opportunity to network, reconnect with fellow OBMs, and enjoy drinks, nibbles, and riverside views. To make the evening as accessible as possible, attendance is free of charge. However, we kindly ask that you register in advance so that we can cater accordingly. Sign up on The OBM Hub: https://shorturl.at/v97ah

📅 Thursday 17 September
🕕 From 6.00pm
📍 EFES Social Bar, Gabriel’s Wharf, Southbank, London

We hope to see you there!

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of two OBMs who have represented Great Britain on the international stage this summer.

Ellie Sillar (2017-24) won a Silver Medal in the Women's Eight (W8+) at the U23 World Rowing Championships in Duisburg, Germany. This impressive result is a testament to Ellie's dedication, resilience and countless hours of training. From her days at Bedford Modern School to competing for GB, Ellie continues to inspire the next generation of BMS students with her commitment and ambition.

We are also thrilled to congratulate Ewan (2020-24), who recently won Gold in the Junior Men's Pair (JM2) at the prestigious Coupe de la Jeunesse in Lucerne, Switzerland. Representing Great Britain, Ewan produced a superb performance against some of Europe's best young rowers, reflecting the hard work, determination and commitment that have characterised his rowing journey.

We are immensely proud to see Ellie and Ewan achieving such success in GB colours, and we look forward to following their future success!

It's wonderful to see our School's former home looking so magnificent.

For more than a century, generations of Bedford Modern School students were educated within this beautiful building, where friendships were forged and ambitions nurtured. It is wonderful to see this iconic landmark continuing to play such an important role in the life of the town, with its place in the history of both BMS and Bedford remaining as significant as ever.

Thank you to The Harpur Centre for helping to preserve and showcase such an important part of Bedford's heritage. We think it's looking better than ever!

We're delighted to invite the Class of 2006 back to the School for a special reunion celebration. Bringing together former classmates and their families, the event will feature barbecue style food, drinks, children's activities and an opportunity to have a tour of the School.

A wonderful opportunity to reconnect, reflect on shared memories and celebrate lifelong friendships, it promises to be a highlight of the summer calendar.

Sign up to attend on The OBM Hub: https://shorturl.at/0UB5K

We are very proud that Bedford Modern School has been commended in the Independent Schools of the Year 2026 Awards as Co-ed Independent School of the Year.

This recognition celebrates the passion, talent and commitment that define our School community. Thank you to our students, staff, parents and alumni for helping to make BMS a place where young people thrive.

Jake Burger (2014-21) recently returned to BMS to talk about his experience as part of Rochdale Football Club, who have recently been promoted back into the English Football League. Jake left BMS in Year 11, when he was offered a two-year contract with Luton Town FC and then was signed on a professional development contract.

It was great for Jake to come back and give us an update on his career, meet some of his former teachers and former football coach, Michael Park, and see the development of the School. We wish him the best with his footballing career and hope to see him again soon.

It was lovely to have so many OBMs from different cohorts gathered at Henley Regatta this year to enjoy one of the key events in the rowing calendar, joined by glorious sunshine!

Thank you to current OBM Club President Paul Nash (1973-80) for the photographs. Paul spent Tuesday reminiscing about BMS days with those from his year, then on Saturday he was hosted by the Beard family in the Riverside Enclosure.

First picture L to R: Mike Baker (1974-81), Richard White (1973-80), Miles Fellows (1972-79).

Second picture L to R: Harry Beard (2007-13), Gavin Black (1978-88), Sam Gale (current staff), Charlotte Beard (2009-19), Russell Beard (1971-80), Paul Nash (1973-80), Olivia Johnson (2017-24).